Discourse, Learning, and Teaching. Deborah Hicks


One-Sentence Summary: Discourse is a powerful tool that can have significant influence within a classroom if it is used effectively.

Key Quote: "Classrooms are embedded communities of discourse; they can never be divorced from the community-based language practices that children bring with them. Sociolinguistic differences are 'played out' as children and teachers attempt to construct academic literacies in the classroom (the discourses of science, social studies, reading, math, and other content areas)." (p.75)


Point to Remember: Model the use of content-specific discourse. Use it and create situations in which students must use it, as well.


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